Canada's participation in the third edition of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup came to an end after a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to Korea DPR at 8KM Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ri Un Sim’s formidable scoring form continued as a late brace from her saw Korea DPR’s recording of always reaching the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals continue.
Canada began the game the brighter, with both Whitecaps FC Girls Elite striker Summer Clarke and Nichelle Prince getting in behind the Korean backline, but spurned both chances. Ri Hyang Sim was guilty of similar crimes early on, miss-hitting both Ri Kyong Hyong’s cut-back and Ri Kum Suk’s cross when she should have done better.
It was a half low on action, with Choe Yun Gyong and captain Choe Choung Bok both trying from distance as Korea DPR took control of the half – but clear-cut chances were at a premium. One that does fall into that category though came on 27 minutes Ri Hyang Sim’s cross found Choe Yun Gyong free at the far post, however her driven header was straight at Kailen Sheridan.
Korea DPR coach Hwang Yong Bong felt the need to do two substitutions before half-time, but while they remained in control, chances still failed to materialise.
After a slow restart, Summer Clarke woke up Korea DPR, rattling the bar after being put through by Nichelle Prince. The Asian side hit right back, but Sheridan was equal to efforts from Ri Kyong Hyong and Choe Yun Gyong.
The goal that always seemed likely came in the 78th minute from the reliable source of Ri Un Sim. Ri Hyang Sim showed great skill to beat the full-back to cross from the right, finding the head of the unmarked, in-form striker at the back post.
Substitute Amandine Pierre-Louis almost hit straight back, but after breaking clean through shot straight at Rim Yong Hwa.
It was game over on 87 minutes, Ri Un Sim pouncing on a loose ball to slot home and bag her seventh of the tournament. When Ri Yong Haw spilt Nichelle Prince’s 20-yard drive over the line there was hope, but it was too little too late.
The quote
"I’m very happy of today’s performance. I think we play very well, as Canada is a strong team, that nobody can’t underestimate.The key to the match was tactical. The two changes I made in the first half paid off – I did it because I thought Canada was very dangerous on this wing." Hwang Yong Bong, Korea DPR coach
